If you’re planning to hit a party as the most iconic roommates in television history, you’ve probably realized that bert and ernie costumes are a lot harder to get "right" than they look. It seems simple, right? A couple of striped sweaters, some yellow face paint, and maybe a rubber ducky. But there is a massive chasm between looking like a beloved Muppet and looking like a low-budget sleepwalking nightmare.
Most people fail because they ignore the geometry of the characters. Bert is a literal banana. Ernie is a football. If you don't account for those silhouettes, you’re just two people in itchy sweaters. Honestly, the charm of these characters is in the contrast—the tall, grumbling pigeon-lover versus the short, chaotic bath-time enthusiast.
The Silhouette Secret: Why Your Bert and Ernie Costumes Look "Off"
Jim Henson and Don Sahlin designed these two based on a very specific visual language. Bert is vertical. Everything about him—his head shape, his stripes, even his single unibrow—points up. Ernie is horizontal. His head is wide, his nose is a round bulb, and his sweater stripes run sideways.
When you're shopping for or making these outfits, this is the most common mistake. People buy "striped shirts" without looking at the orientation. Bert’s stripes must be vertical. If you wear horizontal stripes as Bert, you just look like a very tall, confused Ernie. It breaks the visual shorthand that our brains have developed since 1969.
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Getting the Sweaters Right
You can find "official" costumes from retailers like Disguise or HalloweenCostumes.com, which usually retail between $60 and $80. These are great for convenience. However, if you want to look high-end, you need to look at the texture. The real Muppets are made of fleece and foam. A shiny, polyester-print shirt from a bag costume always looks a bit cheap.
- The Bert Sweater: Look for a mock turtleneck. It should have thin vertical stripes in orange, blue, and green.
- The Ernie Sweater: This one is a classic horizontal rugby stripe, primarily red and blue with yellow accents at the collar.
- The Fabric Choice: If you’re DIY-ing, hunt for actual knitwear. A real sweater reflects light differently than a screen-printed tee, giving you that "soft" Muppet aesthetic.
The Face: Masks vs. Makeup
This is where things get controversial in the cosplay world. Do you go with the full-head mascot mask or do you paint your face?
Full-head masks are the gold standard for accuracy. They maintain the weird, non-human proportions of the characters. A good Bert mask needs that signature tuft of black hair on top and a nose that looks like a carrot. Ernie needs the "live hand puppet" look—wide mouth, messy hair, and a nose that looks like a cherry.
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But let's be real: masks are hot. You can't drink a beer in them. You can't hear anyone talking over the party music. If you go the makeup route, you need to be careful. Yellow face paint can lean "jaundice" very quickly if you don't get the shade right. You want a warm, golden yellow—think sunflower, not lemon.
Pro Tip: Use a black felt strip for Bert’s unibrow. Don't just paint it on. The 3D texture of the felt makes it pop in photos and keeps it from looking like a smudge by the end of the night.
Essential Props (The Non-Negotiables)
A Bert and Ernie costume isn't complete without the "third characters" in their lives.
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- The Rubber Duckie: This isn't optional for Ernie. If you aren't squeaking a duck, are you even Ernie?
- The Pigeon (Bernice): For Bert, carrying a small grey pigeon toy or even just a handful of oatmeal (his favorite snack) adds a level of deep-cut nerdery that people love.
- The Paperclip Collection: If you really want to lean into Bert's boring persona, carry a small box of paperclips. It’s a great conversation starter for fellow Sesame Street aficionados.
Size Matters (The "Bernie" Problem)
There is a specific dynamic to the heights of these two. Ideally, the person playing Bert should be significantly taller than the person playing Ernie. If you’re the same height, Ernie can "cheat" by wearing slightly baggier pants and flatter shoes, while Bert can wear boots or a tall hat/wig to add those extra inches.
In 2026, we’re seeing a lot more "mashup" costumes. Some people do "Bernie"—a weird hybrid of both—but honestly, it usually just confuses people. Stick to the duo. It’s one of the few costumes that works across every age group, from toddlers in fuzzy onesies to retirees looking for a nostalgic laugh.
Actionable Steps for Your Best Build
If you’re ready to start putting this together, don't just buy the first thing you see on Amazon. Follow this workflow for a better result:
- Audit your closet first: A navy blue pair of slacks for Bert and a pair of simple blue jeans for Ernie are easy to find. Don't pay for "costume pants" that are basically blue pajamas.
- Prioritize the hair: For Bert, use a piece of black faux fur or a "toupee" style hairpiece that stands straight up. For Ernie, keep it messy and "spongy."
- Check the nose: This is the centerpiece. If you're DIY-ing, use a painted foam ball for Ernie and a small, shaped piece of upholstery foam for Bert.
- Coordinate the banter: Half the fun is the act. Ernie should be slightly annoying; Bert should be perpetually "done" with everything.
Start by sourcing the sweaters at least three weeks before your event. Authentic-looking vertical stripes for Bert are notoriously hard to find in thrift stores, so you may need to order a specialty knit or fabric-paint your own on a plain yellow turtleneck. Once you have the sweaters, the rest is just details and a really good "Rubber Duckie" song rendition.